The Tampa Police Department issued six warrants, primarily on employees working at bars in Ybor City, following a two-month drug-buy operation dubbed "Operation Last Call."
Detectives were made aware of several individuals selling drugs inside establishments in Ybor City. Between July through September of 2022, as part of Operation Last Call, officers worked in an undercover capacity at several bars and night clubs in Ybor City conducting narcotics purchases.
On separate occasions, officers were able to purchase drugs, ranging from cocaine to Adderall, at the Southern Nights club (1401 E 7th Ave), White Lie bar (1710 E 7th Ave), Coyote Ugly Saloon (1722 E 7th Ave), and Tangra Nightclub (1611 E 7th Ave).
Suspects were working in various roles, including bartenders, servers, and promoters at the establishments. They would conduct their transactions with customers by passing the drugs to clients through shot glasses, underneath trays and inside of receipt holders.
On September 13, Brandon Brinson, 33, a bartender at Southern Nights, was arrested on two charges of delivery of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a church, due to the nightclub being near a church located on the 1700 block of N 16th Street.
On September 14, Carlos Diaz, 33, who worked as a bartender at Tangra, was arrested on one count of delivery of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a church.
On September 18, Promise Toby, 30, who worked as a bartender at the White Lie bar, was arrested and charged with three counts of delivery of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a church and arrested on a failure to appear (operating an unregistered vehicle and driving with license suspended).
On September 20, Ashley Poole, 32, a server at Coyote Ugly, was arrested on two counts of delivery of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a church. Officers expect to make at least two additional arrests.
"We will not tolerate individuals using businesses in our city as their playground for illegal activity," said Chief Mary O'Connor. "Ybor City is one of the most popular attractions in Tampa for both our residents and tens of thousands of visitors to our city every month. We will continue working to keep this area meant for fun as a safe place to visit."